RISE Blog & News.
Practical articles and updates for Texas boards and homeowners — reserves and budgets, governance and enforcement, storm readiness, and the occasional note from the RISE team.
Browse the library.
HOA Reserves Rule of Thumb: How Much Should Your Community Have?
What the 70%-funded rule of thumb means, why it isn’t the whole story, what Texas law requires, and how to gauge your community’s reserve health.
HOA Budget Process
RISE’s step-by-step HOA budget best practices — what goes into a budget, why it’s a forecast not a fantasy, and why reserve contributions come first.
What Do HOA Fees Cover? A Complete Breakdown for Homeowners
The five major categories your assessments fund, how fees differ by community type, what they don’t cover, and how to tell if your fees are managed well.
Do HOA Board Members Get Paid? What Texas Boards Should Know
The short answer is no — here’s what Texas law says about board compensation and reimbursement, why boards stay volunteer, and how the right partner keeps the role sustainable.
Why Is It Important to Engage Communities in Preparedness Efforts
Community preparedness starts with strong board governance — why engaging residents matters, the board’s role, and how to turn governance into real readiness.
POA vs HOA vs COA: Complete Guide for Communities
What each community-association structure is, how they differ in governance, fees, and responsibilities, and how to choose the right one for your community.
PUD vs Condo vs HOA: Complete Guide to Key Differences
How PUDs, condos, and HOAs differ in what you own, what you maintain, and what your dues cover — and how to choose the structure that fits your lifestyle.
Fannie Mae Blacklisted Condos: What Board Members Need to Know
What "Fannie Mae blacklisted" actually means, why condos land on the ineligible list, how it affects financing, and what boards can do about it.
Texas Fence Laws and Your HOA: How to Stay Compliant in 2026
What Texas fence laws require today under SB 1588 and SB 711, what boards can still regulate, how condos differ, local city rules, and steps to get compliant.
7 Must-Have HOA Pool Rules for a Safer, Happier Community
Seven practical, enforceable pool rules — ability-based supervision, no-diving zones, capacity limits, glass bans, hours, cleanliness, and Texas safety compliance.
Best HOA Landscape Maintenance Companies in Houston
Why trusted landscapers matter to curb appeal and property values, plus RISE’s first-edition picks for the best HOA landscape maintenance companies in Houston.
HOA Audits: What Board Members Need to Know
What an HOA audit is, when Texas associations need one, what a CPA reviews, and how boards can prepare so the process goes smoothly.
EV Charging for Condo Buildings and HOAs: Address the Unique Issues
A board's guide to EV charging decisions: shared vs. dedicated circuits, direct-to-owner billing, and installation costs.
The Power of Community Events in Strengthening HOA Relationships
Real event ideas by season and budget, plus how to plan, staff, and insure them without board burnout.
The Impact of Rising Insurance Costs on HOA Budgets and How to Manage It
What's driving HOA insurance premiums up, how rising costs strain association budgets, and practical strategies boards can use to manage the impact.
Austin HOA Watering Rules: Schedules, Vendor Checks, and Handling Summer Complaints
How Austin-area HOAs handle watering restrictions and summer complaints — and what HB 517 means for brown-lawn violations.
San Antonio HOA Maintenance After Heavy Rain: A Board Checklist
After heavy rain in San Antonio, boards need to check drainage, standing water, walkways, and landscaping fast. A post-rain checklist that catches problems early.
Austin Wildfire Risk Map: A Board-Level Action Plan for At-Risk Communities
Central Texas wildfire exposure concentrates at shared edges — here’s how boards assess risk and manage vegetation.
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What partnering with RISE includes
- A dedicated community manager who knows your community
- Financial statements by the 15th — in-house, accrual basis
- Same-day callbacks and 24/365 emergency availability
- The RiseShield master insurance program